What is H1N1?
The H1N1 virus (also known as Swine flu) is a novel strain of influenza that was first identified in 2009. According to the Mayo Clinic, the H1N1 influenza virus “is a combination of viruses from pigs, birds and humans that causes disease in humans.”
H1N1 Preventative Measures
Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. You need two vaccines to be fully protected this year. The seasonal flu vaccine is different from the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine. The CDC is encouraging people to get both vaccinations. Get the seasonal vaccination as soon as possible and get the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccination as soon as it is available in early fall.
Cover your nose and mouth.
Wear a face covering or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your face.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
This information has been pulled from the Center for Disease Control website. For more information on the H1N1 virus, visit www.cdc.gov.
